CONWAY, S.C. – North Carolina Central University senior guard Patrick Cole had an electric 28-point output for the Eagles, but Coastal Carolina University was able to hold off a late charge for a 70-67 final score from the HTC Center on Saturday, Dec. 10.

CCU (5-6) ran out ahead of NCCU (6-4) early in the game, and led by as many as 12 multiple times in the first half.  The Chanticleers shot close to 47 percent in the first period, led by Elijah Wilson (Wilmington, N.C.) who shot 5-for-7 and 3-for-4 from the arc for 15 points in the first half.

Not to be outdone, Patrick Cole (Newark, N.J.) put up 18 points and knocked down five treys including a three from deep range at the horn to send the Eagles to the intermission down by just six, 38-32.

The second half was tightly contested as the Eagles were able to move within six points multiple times in the period, including NCCU getting within five within the final four minutes, but the Chanticleers were able to keep the Eagles at bay to pull out a 70-67 decision.

The Eagles were motored forward in the second half by Cole who finished with 28 points, his second-highest scoring output of the season.  He also contributed a joint team-high seven rebounds, and a game-best five assists. 

Rashaun Madison (Norfolk, Va.) was also a big contributor for the Eagles with 18 points, and Dajuan Graf (Charlotte, N.C.) joined him in double-digits with 11 points, all coming in the second half.

Wilson scored a team-high 22 points for CCU, and Colton Ray-St Cyr (Williamsburg, Va.) collected a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Coleman (Alpharetta, Ga.) had a hot hand for 12 points on a perfect 6-for-6 from the floor.

NCCU stays on the road for the next two games, starting with Southeastern Conference opponent Louisiana State on Tuesday, Dec. 13.